'Mama Mia!': 25 Years and Still Going Strong

(L to R) Jalynn Steele (Tanya), Christine Sherrill  (Donna Sheridan), and Carly Sakolove (Rosie) Photos ©Joan Marcus:

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

Has it really been 25 years since "Mama Mia!" made its debut in London's West End? Maybe so, but the show that has become a worldwide sensation on stage and screen is still going strong, and the current edition that opened Tuesday night at the Kravis Center may just be the best one of them all.

A nearly sold-out crowd buzzed with anticipation as the curtain went up and the timeless music of ABBA -- which most "Mama Mia!" devotees know by heart -- started to flow.

Every aspect of the show, from the strong cast and outstanding production to the flawless choreography and energetic pace, was spot on. It all came together seamlessly in the show's big production numbers, including "Dancing Queen," "Super Trooper," "Honey, Honey," "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" "Voulez-Vous" and the title song, "Mama Mia."

Special mention needs to be made for the performances of Donna's girlfriends, Carly Sakolove (Rosie) and Jalynn Steele (Tonya), whose voices and physical comedy stood out in what is a very talented ensemble.

As toes tapped and heads bobbed, you knew everyone in the audience was ready to jump out of their seats and dance at any moment. If you're looking for something to make you smile and feel good about, head to the Kravis and see "Mama Mia!" before it leaves town on June 30.

Tickets start at $40 and are available online at kravis.org or by calling the Box Office at 561-832-7469.  The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

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